Wearable device with input and output structures

ABSTRACT

An electronic device including a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user is disclosed. The frame can include a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of the user and a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge and configured to be positioned over a side of a brow of the user. The frame can further include an arm coupled to the brow portion and extending to a free end. The first arm can be positionable over a temple of the user with the free end disposed near an ear of the user. The device can also include a transparent display affixed to the frame adjacent the brow portion and an input affixed to the frame and configured for receiving from the user an input associated with a function. Information related to the function can be presentable on the display.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/212,686, filed on Aug. 18, 2011, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Personal video or image displays are devices that are used to display animage received from a source for viewing by a single user. Such devicescan be in the form of head-mounted displays that are worn on the head ofa user and include one or more image sources over or in front of theuser's eyes. Head-mounted displays can include an image sourcepositioned adjacent and associated with each eye of the user or wearerand can be configured to present the same image, viewable as a singletwo-dimensional image. Alternatively, some such devices can beconfigured to present different stereoscopic images that are interpretedby the viewer as a single three-dimensional image. Regardless of thetype of image presented to the user, such devices are usuallyblacked-out. That is, they almost entirely obstruct the wearer's visionoutside of the screen or other image source included therein so that theuser can see nothing but the image presented by the device's displaysystem.

Other personal image displays can be what is referred to as a heads-updisplay, wherein the image is displayed on, in, or through a transparentdisplay that superimpose the displayed image over a view of thesurrounding environment. These allow the user to view the imagepresented by the display simultaneously with their surroundings. Suchdevices, however, can have many limitations, including in their fit andcomfort to their wearers as well as limited functionality.

Both head-mounted and heads-up displays can be connected to a videosource that receives a video signal that the device can read and convertinto the image that they present to the user. The video source can bereceived from a portable device such as a video player, a portable mediaplayer or computers. Some such display devices are also configured toreceive sound signals, which are delivered to the user typically throughincorporated headphones. The functionality of these types of displaysis, however, limited to passive actions wherein the display simplyreceives information from an external source and presents it to thewearer in limited forms. Accordingly, further advances in wearabledevices including displays have been needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronic deviceincluding a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user. The frameincludes a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of the user,and a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge to afirst end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over a firstside of a brow of the user. The frame further includes a first armhaving a first end coupled to the first end of the brow portion andextending to a free end. The first arm is configured to be positionedover a first temple of the user with the free end disposed near a firstear of the user. The device also includes a generally transparentdisplay affixed to the frame and positioned adjacent the brow portionthereof and an input device affixed to the frame and configured forreceiving from the user an input associated with a function. Informationrelated to the function is presentable on the display.

The brow portion of the frame can further extend away from the bridge toa second end opposite the first end thereof and can be furtherconfigured to be positioned over a second side of the brow of the user.The frame can further including a second arm having a first end coupledto the second end of the brow portion and extending to a free endthereof. The second arm can be configured to be positioned over a secondtemple of the user with the free end thereof disposed near a second earof the user.

The frame can include means for securing the display thereto configuredsuch that display is moveable with respect to the frame through rotationabout an axis that extends parallel to the first direction. Such meansfor securing the display can further be configured such that the displayis moveable with respect to the frame through translation along theaxis. In an example, such means for securing can includes a mountingportion of the frame affixed to the first brow portion near the firstarm. The mounting portion can include a post, and the display is can beconfigured to receive the post to rotatably affix the display to theframe. The housing can also be configured to be movable in a transversedirection along the post.

The generally transparent display can be a prism of a transparentmaterial configured to make an image projected into a side of the prismvisible at a surface of the prism that is at a nonzero angle to the sideof the prism. The projected image can be viewable by a wearer of thedevice in conjunction with an external image viewable through the prism.The prism can be mounted to the housing adjacent the first arm. Such ahousing can include an image source configured to project the image intothe side of the prism. The prism can be mounted to the frame throughattachment to the image source, and the image source can be rotatablysecured within the housing. The brow portion of the frame can include areceiving portion configured to receive the housing to affix the housingto the frame.

The input of the device can be a touch-sensitive input device that isaffixed to the frame such as by mounting on the arm of the frame. Thetouch-sensitive input can include a touch surface having a texturethereon. Further, the touch-sensitive input can include multiple touchsurfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the input device can include amotion sensor configured to detect a motion of the device thatcorresponds to the input. The device can further include a cameraaffixed to the frame and facing in a direction opposite the first armand generally perpendicular to the brow portion.

The device can further include an electronics housing containing controlcircuitry for the electronic device affixed on a portion of the frame.The electronics housing can be affixed on the free end of the first armand can include a portion that extends away from the arm and isconfigured to extend around at least a portion of the ear of the user.Additionally or alternatively, the electronics housing can be configuredto enclose a battery to provide power the device.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronicdevice having a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user. Theframe includes a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of theuser, a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridge to afirst end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over a firstside of a brow of the user, and a first arm having a first end coupledto the first end of the brow portion and extending to a free end. Thefirst arm is configured to be positioned over a first temple of the userwith the free end disposed near a first ear of the user. The bridge isadjustable for selective positioning of the brow portion relative to aneye of the user. The device further includes a generally transparentdisplay and means for affixing the display to the frame such thatdisplay is moveable with respect to the frame through rotation about afirst axis that extends parallel to the first brow portion. The displayalso includes an input device affixed to the frame and configured forreceiving from the user an input associated with a function, whereininformation related to the function is presentable on the display.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronicdevice including a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user,the frame including a bridge configured to be supported on the nose ofthe user, a brow portion coupled to and extending away from the bridgeto a first end remote therefrom and configured to be positioned over afirst side of a brow of the user, and a first arm having a first endcoupled to the first end of the brow portion and extending to a freeend. The first is configured to be positioned over a first temple of theuser with the free end disposed near a first ear of the user. The devicealso includes a generally transparent display affixed to the frame andpositioned adjacent the brow portion thereof. An input device is affixedto the frame and configured for receiving from the user an inputassociated with a function, wherein information related to the functionis presentable on the display. An electronics housing containing controlcircuitry for the electronic device is affixed on the free end of thefirst arm and has a portion that extends away from the arm and isconfigured to extend around at least a portion of the ear of the user.The display and the input device can exert a first weight force centeredover a first side of the ear of the user, and the electronics housingcan be positioned and configured to provide a balancing weight againstthe first weight force that is centered over a second side of the ear.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronicdevice including a frame configured to be worn on the head of a user.The frame has a bridge configured to be supported on the nose of theuser and a brow portion having a body coupled to and extending away fromthe bridge to a first end remote therefrom. The body of the brow portionincludes a flange along at least a portion thereof, and the end includesa first wall substantially perpendicular to the flange, the flange andthe first wall together defining a receiving portion. The brow portionis configured to be positioned over a first side of a brow of the user.A first arm having a first end is coupled to the first end of the browportion and extends to a free end. The first arm is configured to bepositioned over a first temple of the user with the free end disposednear a first ear of the user. The device further includes display unitincluding a display housing and a generally transparent display element.The display unit is affixed within the receiving portion of the browportion. An input device is affixed to the frame and configured forreceiving from the user an input associated with a function, whereininformation related to the function is presentable on the displayelement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate view of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example system for receiving, transmitting, anddisplaying data;

FIG. 5 illustrates a wearable computing device;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 5 showing variouscomponents thereof;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 5 showing variouscomponents thereof;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic drawings illustrating aspects of thedevice of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 10 is a front view of the device of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the drawing figures. FIG. 1 illustrates an example system100 for receiving, transmitting, and displaying data. The system 100 isshown in the form of a wearable computing device. While FIG. 1illustrates a head-mounted device 102 as an example of a wearablecomputing device, other types of wearable computing devices couldadditionally or alternatively be used. As illustrated in FIG. 1, thehead-mounted device 102 comprises frame elements including lens-frames104, 106 and a center frame support 108, lens elements 110, 112, andextending side-arms 114, 116. The center frame support 108 and theextending side-arms 114, 116 are configured to secure the head-mounteddevice 102 to a user's face via a user's nose and ears, respectively.

Each of the frame elements 104, 106, and 108 and the extending side-arms114, 116 may be formed of a solid structure of plastic and/or metal, ormay be formed of a hollow structure of similar material so as to allowwiring and component interconnects to be internally routed through thehead-mounted device 102. Other materials may be possible as well.

One or more of each of the lens elements 110, 112 may be formed of anymaterial that can suitably display a projected image or graphic. Each ofthe lens elements 110, 112 may also be sufficiently transparent to allowa user to see through the lens element. Combining these two features ofthe lens elements may facilitate an augmented reality or heads-updisplay where the projected image or graphic is superimposed over areal-world view as perceived by the user through the lens elements.

The extending side-arms 114, 116 may each be projections that extendaway from the lens-frames 104, 106, respectively, and may be positionedbehind a user's ears to secure the head-mounted device 102 to the user.The extending side-arms 114, 116 may further secure the head-mounteddevice 102 to the user by extending around a rear portion of the user'shead. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the system 100 mayconnect to or be affixed within a head-mounted helmet structure. Otherpossibilities exist as well.

The system 100 may also include an on-board computing system 118, avideo camera 120, a sensor 122, and a finger-operable touch pad 124. Theon-board computing system 118 is shown to be positioned on the extendingside-arm 114 of the head-mounted device 102; however, the on-boardcomputing system 118 may be provided on other parts of the head-mounteddevice 102 or may be positioned remote from the head-mounted device 102(e.g., the on-board computing system 118 could be wire- orwirelessly-connected to the head-mounted device 102). The on-boardcomputing system 118 may include a processor and memory, for example.The on-board computing system 118 may be configured to receive andanalyze data from the video camera 120 and the finger-operable touch pad124 (and possibly from other sensory devices, user interfaces, or both)and generate images for output by the lens elements 110 and 112.

The video camera 120 is shown positioned on the extending side-arm 114of the head-mounted device 102; however, the video camera 120 may beprovided on other parts of the head-mounted device 102. The video camera120 may be configured to capture images at various resolutions or atdifferent frame rates. Many video cameras with a small form-factor, suchas those used in cell phones or webcams, for example, may beincorporated into an example of the system 100.

Further, although FIG. 1 illustrates one video camera 120, more videocameras may be used, and each may be configured to capture the sameview, or to capture different views. For example, the video camera 120may be forward facing to capture at least a portion of the real-worldview perceived by the user. This forward facing image captured by thevideo camera 120 may then be used to generate an augmented reality wherecomputer generated images appear to interact with the real-world viewperceived by the user.

The sensor 122 is shown on the extending side-arm 116 of thehead-mounted device 102; however, the sensor 122 may be positioned onother parts of the head-mounted device 102. The sensor 122 may includeone or more of a gyroscope or an accelerometer, for example. Othersensing devices may be included within, or in addition to, the sensor122 or other sensing functions may be performed by the sensor 122.

The finger-operable touch pad 124 is shown on the extending side-arm 114of the head-mounted device 102. However, the finger-operable touch pad124 may be positioned on other parts of the head-mounted device 102.Also, more than one finger-operable touch pad may be present on thehead-mounted device 102. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be usedby a user to input commands. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may senseat least one of a position and a movement of a finger via capacitivesensing, resistance sensing, or a surface acoustic wave process, amongother possibilities. The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be capable ofsensing finger movement in a direction parallel or planar to the padsurface, in a direction normal to the pad surface, or both, and may alsobe capable of sensing a level of pressure applied to the pad surface.The finger-operable touch pad 124 may be formed of one or moretranslucent or transparent insulating layers and one or more translucentor transparent conducting layers. Edges of the finger-operable touch pad124 may be formed to have a raised, indented, or roughened 20 surface,so as to provide tactile feedback to a user when the user's fingerreaches the edge, or other area, of the finger-operable touch pad 124.If more than one finger-operable touch pad is present, eachfinger-operable touch pad may be operated independently, and may providea different function.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate view of the system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the lens elements 110, 112 may act asdisplay elements. The head-mounted device 102 may include a firstprojector 128 coupled to an inside surface of the extending side-arm 116and configured to project a display 130 onto an inside surface of thelens element 112. Additionally or alternatively, a second projector 132may be coupled to an inside surface of the extending side-arm 114 andconfigured to project a display 134 onto an inside surface of the lenselement 110.

The lens elements 110, 112 may act as a combiner in a light projectionsystem and may include a coating that reflects the light projected ontothem from the projectors 128, 132. In some embodiments, a reflectivecoating may not be used (e.g., when the projectors 128, 132 are scanninglaser devices).

In alternative embodiments, other types of display elements may also beused. For example, the lens elements 110, 112 themselves may include: atransparent or semi-transparent matrix display, such as anelectroluminescent display or a liquid crystal display, one or morewaveguides for delivering an image to the user's eyes, or other opticalelements capable of delivering an in focus near-to-eye image to theuser. A corresponding display driver may be disposed within the frameelements 104, 106 for driving such a matrix display. Alternatively oradditionally, a laser or LED source and scanning system could be used todraw a raster display directly onto the retina of one or more of theuser's eyes. Other possibilities exist as well.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example system 200 for receiving, transmitting,and displaying data. The system 200 is shown in the form of a wearablecomputing device 202. The wearable computing device 202 may includeframe elements and side-arms such as those described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2. The wearable computing device 202 may additionallyinclude an on-board computing system 204 and a video camera 206, such asthose described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. The video camera 206 isshown mounted on a frame of the wearable computing device 202; however,the video camera 206 may be mounted at other positions as well.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the wearable computing device 202 may include asingle display 208 which may be coupled to the device. The display 208may be formed on one of the lens elements of the wearable computingdevice 202, such as a lens element described with respect to FIGS. 1 and2, and may be configured to overlay computer-generated graphics in theuser's view of the physical world. The display 208 is shown to beprovided in a center of a lens of the wearable computing device 202,however, the display 208 may be provided in other positions. The display208 is controllable via the computing system 204 that is coupled to thedisplay 208 via an optical waveguide 210.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example system 220 for receiving, transmitting,and displaying data. The system 220 is shown in the form of a wearablecomputing device 222. The wearable computing device 222 may includeside-arms 223, a center frame support 224, and a bridge portion withnosepiece 225. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the center frame support224 connects the side-arms 223. The wearable computing device 222 doesnot include lens-frames containing lens elements. The wearable computingdevice 222 may additionally include an onboard computing system 226 anda video camera 228, such as those described with respect to FIGS. 1 and2.

The wearable computing device 222 may include a single lens element 230that may be coupled to one of the side-arms 223 or the center framesupport 224. The lens element 230 may include a display such as thedisplay described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be configuredto overlay computer-generated graphics upon the user's view of thephysical world. In one example, the single lens element 230 may becoupled to the inner side (i.e., the side exposed to a portion of auser's head when worn by the user) of the extending side-arm 223. Thesingle lens element 230 may be positioned in front of or proximate to auser's eye when the wearable computing device 222 is worn by a user. Forexample, the single lens element 230 may be positioned below the centerframe support 224, as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic drawing of an example computer networkinfrastructure. In system 300, a device 310 communicates using acommunication link 320 (e.g., a wired or wireless connection) to aremote device 330. The device 310 may be any type of device that canreceive data and display information corresponding to or associated withthe data. For example, 10 the device 310 may be a heads-up displaysystem, such as the head-mounted device 102, 200, or 220 described withreference to FIGS. 1-3B.

Thus, the device 310 may include a display system 312 comprising aprocessor 314 and a display 316. The display 310 may be, for example, anoptical see-through display, an optical see-around display, or a videosee-through display. The processor 314 may receive data from the remotedevice 330, and configure the data for display on the display 316. Theprocessor 314 may be any type of processor, such as a micro-processor ora digital signal processor, for example.

The device 310 may further include on-board data storage, such as memory318 coupled to the processor 314. The memory 318 may store software thatcan be accessed and executed by the processor 314, for example.

The remote device 330 may be any type of computing device or transmitterincluding a laptop computer, a mobile telephone, or tablet computingdevice, etc., that is configured to transmit data to the device 310. Theremote device 330 and the device 310 may contain hardware to enable thecommunication link 320, such as processors, transmitters, receivers,antennas, etc.

In FIG. 4, the communication link 320 is illustrated as a wirelessconnection; however, wired connections may also be used. For example,the communication link 320 may be a wired serial bus such as a universalserial bus or a parallel bus. A wired connection may be a proprietaryconnection as well. The communication link 320 may also be a wirelessconnection using, e.g., Bluetooth® radio technology, communicationprotocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11revisions), Cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EVDO, WiMAX,or LTE), or Zigbee® technology, among other possibilities. The remotedevice 330 may be accessible via the Internet and may include acomputing cluster associated with a particular web service (e.g.,social-networking, photo sharing, address book, etc.).

FIGS. 5-10 illustrate a device 10 that can implement the system 100discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 5 and 6 show anembodiment of device 10 that is configured to be worn on the head of auser with a display 50 thereof positioned adjacent the user's eye formaking an image viewable by the user. The device 10 also includes aninput device in the form of a touch-based input 70 that is accessible tothe user to allow the user to execute a control function of the device10 or a function of another device that is connected or in communicationwith device 10.

Both display 50 and touch-based input 70 are affixed to a frame 12 thatincludes features that make device 10 wearable on the head of the user.In general, frame 12 can be similar to a frame associated with a pair ofglasses, e.g., prescription glasses or sunglasses. Device 10, as shownherein, lacks the lenses typically included in eyeglasses and furtherdoes not include a lower portions eyeglass frame member that can be usedto help secure the lenses to the frame thereof. However, otherembodiments of the device 10 discussed herein could include both lensesand additional parts or features of frame 12 that can help secure thelenses thereto.

Frame 12 includes a bridge portion 20 that is configured to rest on apart of the nose of the user. In the embodiment shown, bridge portion 20includes a pair of bridge arms 22 that extend in a direction from thebridge 20. In the view of the embodiment of device 10 shown in FIG. 5,bridge arms 22 extend in a downward direction from bridge. Theorientation of device 10 shown in FIG. 5 generally corresponds to theorientation of device 10 when being worn by a user when the user's headis in a neutral, upright position. The description of bridge arms 22extending downward from bridge 20 is made in such a reference frame andis done for purposes of the present description. Discussion of any otherrelative reference directions is also made for similar purposes and noneare intended to be limiting with respect to the present disclosure,unless explicitly stated.

Bridge arms 22 desirably include respective pads 24 thereon, which canbe positioned to rest on parts of the nose of the wearer. Pads 24 can bemade of a material that is softer than arms for purposes of comfort.Additionally the material that pads 24 are made from can be flexible orhave a texture that prevents slippage along the surface of the user'snose. Bridge arms 22 can be flexible to further provide a comfortablefit and or grip on the user's nose. Further, bridge arms 22 can bedeformably bendable and repositionable so that the position of pads 24can be changed to best fit the user. This can include movement closertogether or farther apart or fore and aft relative to bridge 20, whichcan adjust the height of frame 10 and, accordingly, the position ofdisplay 50 relative to the user's eye. Further adjustment of display andother structures thereof are described in further detail below. In otherembodiments, structures similar to arms and pads can be integrallyformed with the remaining structure of bridge 20 and can be structuredsuch that larger or smaller areas of the bridge contact the nose of theuser, compared to the embodiment of the bridge shown. Other arrangementsare also possible according to structures implemented in existingeyeglass and sunglass designs.

Frame 12 also includes one or more brow portions 30 that extend in alateral direction away from bridge 20. The embodiment shown includes twobrow portions 30A and 30B, each extending away from opposite sides ofbridge 20. In other embodiments, only a single brow portion, such as inthe position of brow portion 30A, can be included extending laterallyaway from bridge portion 20. In such an embodiment, the single browportion is included on the side of the display 50 and substantiallynothing is on the other side of bridge portion 20. In still furtherembodiments, one or two brow portions can be integrally formed with orcan be substituted with a specially structured lens. Brow portions30A,30B are shaped to extend laterally past the user's eye while beingpositioned above (or alternatively below) the eye so as to not obstructthe wearer's vision. A number of different shapes and structures arepossible for brow portions 30A,30B, in addition to what is shown in thefigures. The specific shape of brow portions 30A,30B can depend on theshape and structure of bridge portion 20. As a further alternative, asingle brow portion have the bridge portion affixed thereto at or near acenter thereof and can extend laterally past each eye on opposite sidesof the center.

Brow portions 30A,30B can be of the same or a different material frombridge portion 20. Examples of suitable materials for the brow portion30, or any other part of frame 12, can include various types of plasticsuch as polycarbonate, acrylic, ABS, and polyethylene. Any parts offrame 12, including the bridge 20 and brow portions 30, can be made frommetal such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, nickel, gold, orvarious alloys including one or more of the metals listed or similarmetals. Brow portion 30 can be monolithically formed with bridge portion20 from the same material, or brow portion 30 and bridge portion 20 canbe made from different materials and affixed together using adhesives,screws, various forms of welding, soldering, braising, or the like.

Frame 12 also includes one or more temple portions in the form of armsthat extend from the brow portions 30, past the user's temple, andtoward the user's ear. As shown in FIG. 5, frame 12 can include two arms40A,40B that can be positioned to extend in a rearward direction fromrespective brow portions 30A,30B. In an embodiment with a single browportion on a single side of the bridge portion, only one arm would bepresent. Arms 40A,40B may provide additional points, or areas, ofcontact with the user's head and contribute to the device's fit andretention to the user's head. Arms 40A,40B can be similar in structureor function to corresponding features of eyeglasses.

Arms 40A,40B can be affixed to respective brow portions 30A,30B, usingrigid connections 42, which can be made using screws assembled betweenarms 40A,40B and brow portions 30A,30B, as shown. Alternatively, arms40A,40B can be affixed to respective brow portions 30A,30B using a hingemember arranged to permit arms 40A,40B to be folded inward toward browportions 30 for easy storage or transportation. If hinges are used, theycan be spring-loaded or the like to apply a comfortable pressure againstthe user's head or to accommodate a range of different head sizescomfortably. Alternatively, arms 40A,40B can be integrally ormonolithically formed with brow portions 30A,30B. In some embodiments,arms can be made of a plastic material with internal metal reinforcementto allow bending or to prevent breakage.

Arms 40A,40B include respective free ends 44 opposite the connection 42between respective arms 40A,40B and brow portions 30A,30B. Free ends 44can be positioned to be located near the ear of a user when wearingdevice 10. Ear portions 46 can be affixed to or integrally formed withthe free ends 44 of the arms 40A,40B. As shown in FIG. 5 ear portions 46can include an arched, or curved, form, as shown in the figures, suchthat they bend behind a portion of the rear of the user's ear. As witheyeglasses, the particular shape of ear portions 46 can vary in manyways including the amount by which they bend, the distance around theear which they extend and the amount of contact, if any, actuallymaintained with the outside of the ear. Arms 40 can be structured toappropriately position ear portions 46 relative to brow portions 30 toachieve an appropriate fit for a user or a selection of different users.The shape of arms 40 can, accordingly, depend on the size and shape ofbrow portions. For example, arms 40 can extend substantially rearwardfrom brow portion substantially perpendicular thereto and can besubstantially straight. In other embodiments, arms can be angled inward,outward, upward, or downward relative to the outside ends of browportions 30 and can further be curved in any direction (or multipledirections) to achieve a desired fit or aesthetic quality.

As shown, ear portions 46 can be separate pieces connected to the ends44 of arms, for example by attachment via hinge 48 that permits rotationabout an axis. This arrangement can allow for additional adjustabilityof ear portions 46 to optionally increase the amount of contact with theear, or to allow comfortable contact among different users withdifferent head sizes, ear position, etc. In other embodiments, earportions 46 can be fixedly attached or monolithically formed with arms40. In a further embodiment, ear portions 46 can extend substantiallyin-line with arms 40 or can extend inward therefrom, rather thandownward, to a position where they rest over the ear on a topmost areathereof but do not hook around the ear. In such an embodiment earportions 46 or arms 40 can be configured to exert a pressure against theside of the user's head to at least partially retain frame 12 to theuser's head by friction generated through the pressure. Ear portions 46can be made of a similar material to arms 40 or can be made of adifferent material, such as a soft-touch material, including variousthermoplastic elastomers, with either compliant or high frictioncharacteristics.

As mentioned previously, device 10 can include various input and outputstructures affixed to frame 12. An output structure can be in the formof a display unit 50 that includes a prism 54 mounted on a housing 52that can also contain electronic components associated with the display.In the embodiment shown, prism 54 is used to display an image generatedby the electronic components of the display. Prism 54 is structured toreceive a projected image in a receiving side 58 (shown in FIGS. 7, 9Aand 9B) and to make that image visible to a user by looking into aviewing side 60 of prism 54. This can be done by making prism 54 with aspecific shape and or material characteristics. A description of such astructure can be found in. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, which is shownin an exploded view in FIG. 7, the receiving side 50 of prism 54 isadjacent to or within housing 52 such that the electronic componentsinside housing 52 can contain a video projector structured to projectthe desired video image into receiving side 58 of prism 54. Suchprojectors can include an image source such as LCD, CRT, and OLEDdisplays and a lens, if needed, for focusing the image on an appropriatearea of prism 54. The electronic components associated with display unit50 can also include control circuitry for causing the projector togenerate the desired image based on a video signal received thereby.

The receiving surface 58 can be perpendicular to the viewing surface 60of prism 54 such that a transparent prism can be used to combine theprojected image with the view of the environment surrounding the wearerof the device. This allows the user to observe both the surroundingenvironment and the image of display unit 50. The prism 54 and thedisplay electronics can be configured to present an opaque orsemi-transparent image, or combinations thereof, to achieve variousdesired image combinations.

Display unit 50 can be affixed to frame 12 so that prism is 54 ispositioned beneath brow portion 30A or in a position so that the usercan comfortably observe viewing surface 60. A number of differentpositions for prism 54 are possible to meet these criteria. For example,the prism can be positioned directly in front of the user's eye or canbe positioned above or below the center of the user's eye, allowing theimage of the display device 50 to be out of the user's direct, orstraight ahead, sight line, but still allowing the user to direct his orher eyes up or down within a comfortable range to see the image withinthe prism 54. The prism 54 can be positioned to the left or the right ofthe center of the eye to achieve a similar affect. Frame 12 or theattachment between display housing 52 and frame 12 can permit useradjustment of the position of prism 56 relative to the user's eye. Forexample, the vertical location of prism 56 can be changed by adjustingthe bridge arms 22 of bridge portion 20, which will raise and lower browportion 30 on the user's face, and accordingly, raise or lower prism 54,which is affixed to frame 12.

In the embodiment shown, display housing 52 is attached to frame 12 in areceiving structure 32 of frame 12 that is formed as a part of browportion 30A. Receiving structure 32, as shown, includes a flared top 34,a downwardly depending side 36 and an inwardly-extending bottom 38.These three sides of receiving structure 32 can be configured to securehousing 52 to frame 12 or to provide protection for housing 52 or toachieve a desired aesthetic appearance. In other embodiments, additionalor fewer sides of receiving structure 32 can be included. For example,housing can affix to the top 43 or receiving structure 32 only and thestructure 32 can lack any sides or bottom. As shown in the exploded viewof FIG. 7, housing 52 is attached to frame 12 at the side 36 ofreceiving structure 32. A post 62 extends away from the inside of side32 into an interior of the receiving structure 32. A corresponding hole64 in housing 52 is configured to receive post 62 securely but so as toallow rotation of housing 52 on post 62, translation on post 62 or acombination thereof. Post 62 can also include a flange 66 or otherretention feature such as a tab, a screw or the like to limittranslation of housing 52 over post 62 and to prevent accidental removalof housing 52 from frame 12. Post 62 and flange 66 can be modified fromthe embodiment shown to include features, such as cutouts or the likethat allow post 62 and or flange 66 to deform, allowing a snap-fitbetween hole 64 and flange 66. Further, post can be hollow and can befurther open to a hollow interior of side 36 or other hollow interior ofbrow portion 30 to allow for routing therethrough of wires associatedwith the display electronics. Receiving structure 32 can be sized toprovide clearance for housing 52 to rotate through a predeterminedrange. Post 62 can also be positioned within receiving structure 32 toallow for the predetermined rotation.

Rotation of housing 52 relative to frame 12 can allow for adjustment inthe angle of viewing surface 60 of prism 54 relative to the user's eye.This adjustment can be useful to allow the image within prism 54 to beproperly viewed by the user throughout various vertical positions ofprism 54 relative to the user's eye due to device 10 fitting differentlyon different user's faces or due to selective adjustment of the verticalposition of prism 54 on the user's face, as discussed above.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-B, in certain structures of prism 54 it can bebeneficial to orient prism 54 such that viewing surface 60 is normal toa line from the image location within prism 54 to the focal center ofthe user's eye. By allowing rotation of display housing 52 and, thus,prism 54 to rotate relative to frame 12, the prism 54 can be positionedin an optimal angle for viewing by users with different facialstructures and different preferences for the horizontal or verticalposition of prism 54. FIG. 9A shows prism 54 at a location above thehorizontal center 92 of the user's eye 90. Prism 54 is pivoted orotherwise rotated about an axis 84 that extends in a lateral directionrelative to the user's face (in and out of the page of FIG. 9A) suchthat surface 60 is perpendicular to a line 94 extending between surface60 and the focal center 96 of the user's eye 90. It is noted that thediagram shown in FIG. 9A is only an example and different users can havedifferent locations of their eye's focal center. FIG. 9B shows prismpositioned vertically near the horizontal center 92 of the user's eyewith prism 54 rotated accordingly for optimal viewing by the user, asdescribed above.

Translational adjustment of prism 54 can also be permitted along post 62and/or along axis 88, as shown in FIG. 10. This translational movementallows for prism 54 to be laterally aligned with the user's eye, theposition of which relative to frame 12 can vary among users. Suchadjustment can be done according to the user's preference or to achievean optimal viewing angle in a horizontal plane. In the example of FIG.10, prism can be slid along post 62 between a first position P1 and asecond position P2, in which display 50 is shown in phantom.

In an alternative embodiment, a display can include a prism that isattached to the corresponding electronic circuitry and the image source.The image source and circuitry can then be rotatably mounted within thehousing such that the prism is also rotatable with respect to thehousing by rotation of the image source and circuitry within thehousing. In another alternative embodiment, housing 52 can be securedwithin receiving portion 32 in a fixed position and structured such thatprism 54 is at least approximately positioned according to thediscussion of FIGS. 9A-B or FIG. 10 based on an intended or estimatedfit of frame 12 on the head of a user.

In the present example, a single display 50 is shown on the side of browportion 30A. It is noted that display 50 could, instead, be mountedsimilarly on brow portion 30B. Alternatively, two display units could beincluded, with one affixed within each brow portion and corresponding toeach eye of the user. As a further alternative, a single display couldbe used with a prism 54 or other structure configured to extend overboth eyes of the user for displaying an image viewable by both eyes.

As discussed above, an input device in the form of a touch-based input70, as shown in FIG. 6, is also desirably included in device 10 andaffixed to frame 12. Touch-based input 70 can be a touchpad ortrackpad-type device configured to sense at least one of a position anda movement of a finger via capacitive sensing, resistance sensing, or asurface acoustic wave process, among other possibilities. Touch-basedinput 70 can further be capable of sensing finger movement in adirection parallel or planar to the pad surface, in a direction normalto the pad surface, or both, and may also be capable of sensing a levelof pressure applied. Touch-based input 70 can be formed having an outerlayer of one or more insulating, or dielectric, layers that can beopaque, translucent, or transparent and an inner layer of one or moreconducting layers that can be opaque, transparent, or translucent.

The structure of touch-based input 70 can include a housing 76 that canhave an outside and an interior cavity for containing the inner layer ofthe touch-based input 70 and any electrical structures, such as controlcircuitry, associated therewith. The outer layer of the touch-basedinput 70 can be an outer wall of the housing and can include the entirewall or a selected operable area in the form of one or moretouch-surfaces 72 thereof, as dictated by the size, shape, and positionof the inner layer of the touch-based input 70. If a portion of thehousing is to be used as the outer layer of the touch-based input 70,then the housing 76 can be made of a dielectric material such asplastic. In an alternative embodiment, the touch surface 72 is adiscrete element that is mounted in an opening in the housing 76.

In the embodiment shown, touch-based input 70 is mounted on arm 40A anddefines a vertical plane that overlies a portion of the side of theuser's head. Accordingly, touch-based input 70 will not be visible to auser of the device 10, when it is being worn. To help the user identifyany touch surfaces 72 of touch-based input 70 the housing 76 can beformed to have a texture provided by a raised, indented, or roughenedsurface so as to provide tactile feedback to a user when the user'sfinger contacts the touch surface 72. Such a texture can define theboundaries of the touch surface 72, can be consistent through the touchsurface 72, or can vary along horizontal and vertical lengths of thetouch surface 72 to give the user feedback as to the location of afinger contacting touch surface 72.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the housing 76 ortouch-based input 70 can be affixed to the frame 12 at a joint portion42A thereof that extends from the side 36 of receiving portion 32. Jointportion 42A can be integrally formed with brow portion 30A, includingwith receiving portion 32, and housing 76 can be rigidly affixedthereto, such as by screws or other fasteners. As shown in FIG. 6, thehousing for touch-based input 70 can be arranged such that touch surface72 is flush with a surface of joint portion 42A to provide a uniformappearance. Alternatively, joint portion 42A can include a hinge toallow arm 40A to be folded inward with free end 44 positioned near browportion 30B, as discussed above. Arm 40A can be affixed to housing 76,as shown on a side opposite touch surface 72. Further, arm 40A can beconfigured to partially enclose touch-based input 70 by being a part ofthe housing 76 thereof. In another embodiment, arm 40A can be configuredsimilarly to arm 40B and touch-based input 70 can be mounted thereto.

Touch-based input 70 can also include additional touch surfaces 72 suchas the top or bottom surfaces of housing 76. This can be achieved bypositioning capacitive sensor layers, for example, beneath the selectedhousing surfaces. In other embodiments, additional touch-based inputscan be provided in different locations of device 10 such as on browportion 30A or on display housing 52. Each of the touch-based inputs 70can be operated independently, and can provide different functions.Additionally, housing 76 can include additional input structures, suchas button 68 that can provide additional functionality for device 10,including implementing a lock or sleep feature or allowing a user totoggle the power for device 10 between on and off states.

Touch-based input 70, or another type of input, can be used to provide acontrol function that is executed by device 10, such as by an on-boardCPU, or by a remote device, such as a smartphone or a laptop computer.In an embodiment information related to the control function is viewableby the user on display 50. In one example, the control function is theselection of a menu item. In such an example, a menu with a list ofoptions can be presented on display 50. The user can move a cursor orcan scroll through highlighted options by predetermined movement of afinger along touch-based input 70 and can confirm the selection by adifferent movement, the acceptance of the selection being indicated bythe display. Examples of menu item selections can include whether toanswer or decline an incoming call on a remotely-linked smartphone or toscroll or zoom-in on a map presented in display.

Additional input structures can be included in device 10. These caninclude a camera 26 and a sensor 28, as shown in FIG. 5. The camera canbe used to take picture or record a video at the user's discretion. Thecamera can also be used by the device to obtain an image of the user'sview of his or her environment to use in implementing augmented realityfunctionality. The sensor 28 can be, for example a light sensor that canbe used by firmware or software associated with the camera 26. As shownin FIGS. 5-7, the camera and sensor can be included in a housing 78positioned within the receiving structure 32 and in front of displayhousing 52. Other locations for the camera 26 and sensor 28 are alsopossible.

One or both of the display housing 52 and the touchpad housing 72 cancontain electronic circuitry and/or a power source, such as a batteryfor device 10. This circuitry can include controls for the touchpad 70,the display 50, the camera 26, or the sensor 28. Additionally one orboth of the housings can include memory, a microprocessor orcommunications devices, such as cellular, short-range wireless (e.g.Bluetooth), or WiFi circuitry for connection to a remote device.Additionally, any such circuitry can be included in earpiece housing 80that is integrally formed with one or more of the ear portions 46discussed above. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, earpiece housing 80 isconfigured to be positioned behind or over the ear of the user whilebeing worn. Earpiece housing 80 can be further configured to contact aportion of the user's head to help secure the position of device 10.Earpiece housing 80 can be configured to include a battery or multiplebatteries of various forms, such as AAA, AA, or 9-volt style batteries.The battery can also be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion ornickel-cadmium battery and can be removable by the user or can bepermanent or semi-permanent. Earpiece housing can also include a port 82that can be used to connect device 10 to a power source to recharge abattery without removal thereof or to connect device 10 to a remotedevice for communication therewith, such as described above, or toupdate or install software or firmware included in the memory of device10.

Earpiece housing 80 can be configured and positioned to provide abalancing weight to that of touch-based input 70 or display housing 50.Both touch-based input 70 and display housing 50 are positioned forwardof the user's ear, which causes a portion of their weight to be carriedby the user's nose. By adding weight behind the user's ear (or shiftingweight to behind the user's ear) in the form of earpiece housing 80, theear becomes a fulcrum about which the weight of the display 50 andtouch-based input 70 are balanced against that of the earpiece housing80. This can relieve some of the weight on the user's nose, giving amore comfortable fit. The components within earpiece housing 80, such asa battery or various control circuitry for device 10 can be arranged tocontribute to a desired weight distribution for device 10. For example,heavier components, such as a battery, can be placed toward or away fromarm 42A to adjust the weight distribution. In an embodiment, a majorityof the weight is carried by the ear of the user, but some weight canstill be carried by the nose in order to give the device a secure feeland to keep the bridge 20 anchored on the nose to maintain a desiredposition for prism 54. In an embodiment, between 55% and 90% of theweight of device 10 is carried by the user's ear. Additionally, in anembodiment where earpiece housing 80 is rotatably affixed to arm 42A,the rotation of earpiece housing 80 can allow for customizable weightdistribution.

Additional components can be included in device, such as additionalinputs, control circuitry boards, antennae or the like. The variouslocations in which these additional components are affixed to frame 12can also be selected to allow for a predetermined weight distribution.

Although the description herein has been made with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a frameconfigured to be worn on a head of a user, the frame including a centralframe support having first and second ends, a first side arm extendingfrom the first end of the center frame support and a second side armextending from the second end of the center frame support; a cameraaffixed to the frame and configured to capture real-world images viewedby the user; an input device affixed to the frame and configured forreceiving from the user an input associated with the camera, the inputdevice configured to provide tactile feedback to the user; a lenselement disposed within the frame, the lens element being at leastpartially transparent and configured to display captured images andinformation related to the camera; and an outer housing positioned at afree end of the first side arm opposite the input device, the outerhousing containing electronic components for the electronic device, andthe outer housing configured to add weight to a rearward portion of theframe positioned behind an ear of the user so as to counterbalance aweight of the input device.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising an image projector disposed on the frame and configured toproject the captured images onto the lens element.
 3. The electronicdevice of claim 2, wherein the image projector is disposed on one of thefirst and second side arms.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinthe input device is a touch pad disposed at the first side arm.
 5. Theelectronic device of claim 4, wherein the touch pad comprises a surfaceconfigured to provide tactile feedback to a user.
 6. The electronicdevice of claim 5, wherein the surface is an edge surface comprised ofone of a raised, an indented, or a roughened surface.
 7. The electronicdevice of claim 5, wherein the touch pad is comprised of at least oneinsulating layer and at least one conductive layer.
 8. The electronicdevice of claim 4, wherein the touch pad is configured to sense at leastone of a position and a movement of a finger.
 9. The electronic deviceof claim 8, wherein the touch pad is configured to sense finger movementin a direction parallel or planar to the touch pad.
 10. An electronicdevice, comprising: a frame configured to be worn on a head of a user,the frame including a central frame support having first and secondends, a first side arm extending from the first end of the center framesupport and a second side arm extending from the second end of thecenter frame support; a camera disposed on the frame and configured tocapture images external to the user; an input device affixed to theframe and configured for receiving from the user an input associatedwith the camera, the input device configured to provide tactile feedbackto the user; a lens element disposed within the frame and configured todisplay captured images so as to superimpose the captured images over areal-world view of a user; and an outer housing positioned at a free endof the first side arm opposite the input device, the outer housingcontaining electronic components for the electronic device, and theouter housing configured to add weight to a rearward portion of theframe positioned behind an ear of the user so as to counterbalance aweight of the input device.
 11. The electronic device of claim 10,wherein the input device is a touch pad.
 12. The electronic device ofclaim 11, wherein the touch pad comprises a surface configured toprovide tactile feedback to a user.
 13. The electronic device of claim12 wherein the surface is one of a raised, an indented, or a roughenedsurface.
 14. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the lens elementfurther comprises a coating that reflects light projected onto the lens.15. An electronic device comprising: a frame configured to be worn on ahead of a user, the frame including: a central frame configured to beworn on the head of a user and supported on a nose of a user, thecentral frame having a first end and a second end; a first arm having afirst end coupled to the first end of the central frame, the first armconfigured to be positioned over a first temple of the user with thefree end disposed near a first ear of the user; and a second arm havinga second end coupled to the second end of the central frame, the secondarm configured to be positioned over a second temple of the user with afree end disposed near a second ear of the user; a camera disposedwithin the frame to capture images; a pair of lenses disposed within thecentral frame, the pair of lenses being at least partially transparentand configured to display captured images; a touch pad disposed on theframe and configured to receive from the user an input associated withthe camera, the touch pad configured to provide tactile feedback to theuser; an outer housing positioned at the free end of the first side armopposite the touch pad, the outer housing containing electroniccomponents for the electronic device, and the outer housing configuredto add weight to a rearward portion of the frame positioned behind thefirst ear of the user so as to counterbalance a weight of the touch pad.16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the touch pad furthercomprises an edge surface, the edge surface being of a raised, anindented, or a roughened surface.
 17. The electronic device of claim 15,wherein the touch pad is configured to sense at least one of a positionand a movement of a finger.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17,wherein the touch pad is configured to sense finger movement in adirection parallel or planar to the touch pad.
 19. The electronic deviceof claim 15, wherein the touch pad is comprised of at least oneinsulating layer and at least one conductive layer.
 20. The electronicdevice of claim 15, further comprising an image projector disposed onthe frame and configured to project the captured images onto one of thepair of lenses.